Question

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the words that best fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
If a nation is unable to come to ______ on interpreting its own past, it will be unable to ______ its national interests.

• A. conclusion … plan
• B. terms … design
• C. decision … comprehend
• D. consensus … formulate
• E. consolidation … meet

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To solve the given sentence completion problem, we need to find words that fit both grammatical structure and contextual meaning. Let's analyze the options and the sentence structure:

The sentence is: "If a nation is unable to come to ______ on interpreting its own past, it will be unable to ______ its national interests."

We need to fill in the blanks with words that appropriately complete the sentence. Let's evaluate each pair of options:

1. conclusion … plan: The phrase "come to a conclusion" makes sense, but "unable to plan its national interests" is not contextually appropriate. Planning is usually strategic, but the first part does not strongly align with national discourse interpretation.
2. terms … design: "Come to terms on interpreting its own past" could be a possible option but "design its national interests" does not fit well in this context, as 'design' is more about structure or aesthetics rather than creating or articulating interests.
3. decision … comprehend: "Come to a decision" is grammatically correct, but "comprehend its national interests" is vague and doesn't imply the active involvement required for national policy formation.
4. consensus … formulate: "Come to a consensus" is a common phrase used when nations agree on a common interpretation or approach. "Formulate its national interests" aligns well because formulating indicates the creation or structuring of a policy or idea, which is appropriate when following a consensus.
5. consolidation … meet: "Come to consolidation" is awkward and uncommon in this context, and "meet its national interests" implies fulfilling or achieving existing goals rather than setting them, which does not suit creating a policy.

Based on the analysis, the most fitting pair is "consensus … formulate":

• Consensus: This implies a general agreement, which is essential for a nation when interpreting its own historical narrative or approach.
• Formulate: This involves creating or devising a detailed plan or strategy, which is relevant when setting national interests and policies.

Thus, the correct answer is: consensus … formulate.